By Russ Vernon

Leeds United tonight Announced on the official club website that El Hadji Diouf has signed a new 18-month contract at Elland Road.

The 31-year-old, who initially joined the club on a non-contract basis in the summer before signing a deal until January but has now agreed a new deal that will keep him at Elland Road until the end of next season.The former Liverpool, Bolton & Doncaster striker has made 24 appearances this season, he made his debut against Shrewsbury Town in the Capital One Cup and has scored 5 times the last coming in the 2-2 draw at Brighton at the beginning of November.United manager Neil Warnock is delighted that Diouf has agreed to stay on a longer-term basis he told the clubs website:“We’re delighted he’s agreed everything and hopefully he’ll enjoy the next 18 months with us, obviously it’s a massive boost for everyone to know we’re going to have him around, and this is what we’ve wanted to do. He’s a match-winning player, and there aren’t many of them around. He’s a player who can change a game and I’m delighted we’ve been able to keep him. He’s also fitted in really well, and he’s been great with the lads.”